The Dark Society

64

Sabrina had wrestled with conflicting feelings all day since Luis's sudden arrival had complicated everything. Especially since he'd come to America despite her insistence that he stay away--another surprise she hadn't expected. Nevertheless, Sabrina made her way to Saint Anthony's, fearful that her relationship with the coven might be diminishing.

Meanwhile, Jennifer had settled into Webb Place and wanted to make plans. Yet despite her excitement, Sabrina found the unexpected invitation peculiar.

Summer was approaching, and Sabrina's class calendar was packed, making it unlikely she'd reunite with Jennifer anytime soon. But tonight was about faith and the revival of the coven, so Sabrina entered Saint Anthony's prepared to commit.

"Come, everyone's waiting," Michelle said.

Raina arrived shortly after.

"I'm glad you made it."

They entered a basilica illuminated by brilliant crimson flames--a setting that created a striking interplay between light and shadow. As Sabrina took in the grandeur, Raina arranged relics while chanting in foreign languages and unfamiliar dialects--unusual for someone with renewed theological beliefs. Michelle suddenly grasped Sabrina's hand, and together they toured a restricted section of the temple: the mausoleum. That's when Sabrina remembered the horrors of her most recent vision.

"It was me," she whispered, staring into her palms.

"What is it?" Raina asked.

Sabrina turned toward her.

"An extinction of life."

Raina and Michelle recoiled as Rachelle, Denise, and Kim arrived.

"In that case, we'll institute a season of remembrance," Denise announced, lighting chrome-plated lanterns.

Sabrina stared in awe as Aphrodite emerged from the shadows.

"How did she get here?" she demanded.

"The goddess called, and you answered," Denise confirmed.

Sabrina noticed an altar adorned with black and ruby candles and silk ivory drapes. More importantly, familiar psalms lay prominently on the podium. Raina often used such displays when presiding over sacraments, so as the ceremony began, her intentions became clear.

"The Greek goddess Gaia--Goddess of the Earth and prophecy," Raina began. "Also known as the primordial mother and personification of Earth.

"The Hindu Goddess Saraswati--Goddess of knowledge, language, and the arts.

"The Greek Goddess Themis--Goddess of divine justice, order, and customs.

"And finally..." she concluded, caressing the last statue, "the Celtic Goddess Arianrhod--Goddess of fertility, rebirth, and fate."

Raina stepped forward.

"Every witch bonds with a goddess, and Aphrodite is yours."

"I know," Sabrina acknowledged. "Somehow, I've always known."

Raina nodded.

"First, assimilate the goddess's consciousness," she explained. "Then channel her strengths."

"I can't," Sabrina protested.

Raina smiled knowingly.

"At first, it seems impossible, but once we integrate your power, it won't be."

Raina unveiled a rare athame and pricked her fingertip. As droplets trickled into a chalice, she approached Rachelle and handed her the sacred blade. Rachelle repeated the ritual, then passed it to Denise, who after making her offering, presented the chalice to Sabrina.

After drinking the chalice's contents, Sabrina felt her consciousness expand as she inherited a lifetime of the coven's experiences--each memory a unique and relevant story.

Later, while she basked in Aphrodite's mystique, a small effigy of the goddess Hecate appeared. Sabrina instinctively concealed the statue and never spoke of it, knowing its appearance was no accident.